Gutter cleaning is a yucky job. Scooping up gooey leaves, sticks and
who knows what else that landed up there can be time-consuming, gross
and exhausting. The probem is that if you do not get the job done in a
timely manner each autumn, Mother nature will hunt you down and cause
those overflowing gutters to freeze.

What does this actually mean, you ask? Well, the frozen goo can work
its way back into your house, thawing and re-freezing as it goes, until
you, unknowingly, have a leak. If this is not nipped in the bud, it can
be a costly roofing repair. Lucky you!

So, how do you avoid the damage and ensuing bill? Clean your gutters.
Regularly. Religiously. That's right. You need to haul a window
cleaning ladder and get some work done. Think of it as protecting your
real estate investment. Think of it as getting some fresh air after a
long week stuck in an office cubicle. Do what you want but get out there
and clean your gutters.

A store that specializes in window cleaning equipment usually sells gutter cleaning
gear. In addition to a sturdy window cleaning ladde, you'll need to
make sure you get some sturdy gloves (not the yellow plastic dishwashing
ones), a scoop for the leaves and some plastic bags (if you are good
about re-cycling, you could get biodegradable bags and do the job
right). They make gutter scoops in every shape and size imaginable. Some
look like giant, plastic serving spoons while others look like a jai
alai xistera (ok, strange reference but it's the best way to describe
it).

GutterGetter from Detroit Sponge

See the resemblance?

Jai Alai ixstera

Source: Jesus Abizanda - flickr

Back To Those Gutters...

Sometimes you even luck out
and all the leaves will be dry. If this is the case, fire up your leaf
blower and blow that mess into your neighbor's yard. Kidding! I just
wanted to see if you were paying attention.

When you are finished with the gutters, head over to the downspouts.
Try running water from the hose down through each downspout. If the
water flows out freely, they are clear of debris. If not, there is a
blockage that you need to work out. Use a plumber's "snake" (either
yours or a rented one) and wiggle it around in the downspout until you
can clear everything up.

That's it. An afternoon outside, standing atop a ladder and just
saved you a very costly repair bill. Pat yourself on the back for a job
well done. Now, get yourself a window cleaning kit and tackle that project next weekend.